Key facts
- HP, Asus, and Acer are using chips from China's ChangXin Memory Technologies (CXMT).
- The move is driven by a global memory chip shortage.
- High demand for AI infrastructure has reduced capacity for consumer electronics.
- Dell and HP are qualifying CXMT DRAM, while Acer and Asus are sourcing locally.
- HP may use CXMT chips in non-U.S. markets if the shortage continues.
Leading PC manufacturers HP, Asus, and Acer have begun incorporating chips from China's ChangXin Memory Technologies (CXMT) into their products amidst a severe global memory chip shortage. This situation is exacerbated by the high demand for AI infrastructure, which has led major memory suppliers like Micron, Samsung, and SK Hynix to prioritize the production of more lucrative High Bandwidth Memory (HBM).
Sources indicate that Dell and HP are in the process of qualifying CXMT's DRAM, while Acer and Asus are instructing their Chinese manufacturing partners to source memory chips domestically. This represents a significant shift from the typical supply chain model where contract manufacturers handle less critical components while PC makers source key parts like processors and memory from established global suppliers.
HP, in particular, is reportedly considering using CXMT chips for devices sold in non-U.S. markets if the supply crunch persists beyond the latter half of 2026. While GPU vendor Sapphire predicts DRAM prices may stabilize by then, manufacturers are seeking alternative sources to mitigate risks and ensure product availability. CXMT, however, faces scrutiny, including being added to a U.S. Department of Defense list of companies suspected of aiding the Chinese military, and the potential for future tariffs, although a one-year truce between the U.S. and China is currently in place.
Acer stated that it works with multiple global manufacturers to enhance supply chain resilience and dynamically adjust operations to manage component price changes, without disclosing specific suppliers. Asus, Dell, and HP declined to comment on the Nikkei report.